Summer — and winter! — camp for genealogists
So you were green with envy last week when everybody started posting about their wonderful experiences at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University. Felt you had missed out on what can only be described as summer camp for genealogists. And you’ve been in the doldrums ever since.
Fear not.
There’s always another chance.
And two of the best are open to you to choose from this week!
Summer camp: GRIP
Right now, you can kickstart your genealogical education by registering, even online still, for courses at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, held at LaRoche College. There’s at least one seat in almost every class that you can still sneak into — even the classes starting in just 10 days, as well as the classes starting in July.
The first set of GRIP classes — the next available summer camp for genealogists — begins June 28 and runs through July 3, 2015, and because of cancellations and schedule changes there’s at least one seat still available in every one of them.
But online registration for June classes ends tomorrow, Friday, June 19th, so if you’re tempted by any of these, you need to act fast.
Here’s the line-up:
• Writing Your Immigrant Families’ Stories: From Research to Publishing with John P. Colletta, Ph.D. and Michael Hait, CG
You’ve researched your lineage back to “the shores”: now what? It’s time to write your ancestors’ stories! Using immigrant ancestors as examples, this course will teach you
• how to discover the facts,
• narrate the stories,
• and publish an account of your ancestors.
• Determining Kinship Reliably with the Genealogical Proof Standard with Thomas W. Jones, PhD., CG, CGL
Learn how to achieve genealogical proof by planning and executing focused research, citing the resulting sources, testing the evidence they contain, assembling evidence into a conclusion, and explaining it clearly. Jones has edited the National Genealogical Society Quarterly since 2002 where many proof arguments are published. The course scope and sequence follow the content of his book, Mastering Genealogical Proof.
• Research in New York State: Resources and Strategies with Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS (formerly Green)
Land of the “Big Apple” and rural farms, New York is historic in its place in immigration and migration, and ethnic and religious survival. Learn how to access records and discover your ancestors who lived in the Empire State.
• Problem Solving with Church Records with Rev. Dr. David McDonald, CG
The nature of Christian communities and churches through the centuries suggests that there is overlap in theological perspectives and outlook, with important similarities across denominational boundaries, and yet some very distinct differences within particular sects or traditions. Accordingly, traditions will be considered on a stand-alone basis and also in comparison with and in contrast to other bodies.
• Advanced Research Tools: Land Records with Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL and Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL
Land genealogy is as important as people genealogy for overcoming family history research barriers. This course explores land distribution in the current United States by colonial powers, private land claims, federal land records at both the National Archives and the General Land Office, and local-level county or town deeds. Students will learn about the Public Land Survey System and the metes and bound system. Course content illustrates the use of land records to prove kinship. Use of software and Internet resources for finding land records, mapping, and deed platting is demonstrated.
• Practical Genetic Genealogy with Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, CeCe Moore and Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
DNA test results can be confusing and their application to genealogy unclear. This course is designed to provide the in-depth knowledge needed by those who wish to analyze results and further research goals for themselves, their clients, or a surname project. These three recognized experts in the field of DNA analysis will provide opportunities for practical, hands-on experience in analysis and correlation of DNA test results utilizing the latest tools and techniques and will give recommendations for further research.
Again, online registration for June classes ends tomorrow, Friday, June 19th.
You have a little more time to think things over if you’re looking at the July classes — the second available summer camp for genealogists — that begins July 19th and runs through July 24th, 2015. Courses with at least one seat available there include:
• Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper with Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA.
Stuart-Warren focuses on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, and analyzing records. She researches across the U.S. and brings her experience into the class room. She encourages students to bring their own family history problems for brainstorming and discussion. This gives a personal approach to the course which gives a solid foundation and fills in knowledge gaps.
• Advanced Research Methods with Thomas W. Jones, PhD., CG, CGL
Participants will develop advanced genealogical research, analysis, correlation and compilation skills. Hands-on activities, using original records, will enhance this learning. Examples are drawn from American states and colonies and European countries. Before the course begins participants will complete two pre-course reading assignments. Four homework assignments, providing opportunities for advanced skill development, are optional.
• Refresh, Rebuild and Recharge Your Genealogy Career with D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS.
The field of professional genealogy offers multiple opportunities to find career success. During the week we will examine the steps to building a career in professional genealogy, looking beyond client-based research to provide best practices for strategic planning, marketing, developing products, and related topics. Faculty includes those working in across various dynamics within the industry, including commercial entities, small-business owners, small-proprietors, non-profit and more. Sessions include lectures, workshops, discussions, and live interviews with working professionals. During the week each participant will draft a strategic plan to refresh, rebuild, and recharge his or her current (or developing) business. This course is designed for those considering a career in genealogy, as well as seasoned professionals looking for a “boost” in the current climate.
• Practical Genetic Genealogy with Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, Patti Hobbs, and Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
DNA test results can be confusing and their application to genealogy unclear. This course is designed to provide the in-depth knowledge needed by those who wish to analyze results and further research goals for themselves, their clients, or a surname project. These three recognized experts in the field of DNA analysis will provide opportunities for practical, hands-on experience in analysis and correlation of DNA test results utilizing the latest tools and techniques and will give recommendations for further research.
• Law School for Genealogists with Judy G. Russell, J.D., CG, CGL and Richard G. “Rick” Sayre, CG, CGL.
Understanding the laws that affected our ancestors is essential for kinship determination and successful research. This course explores laws concerning courts, estates, family law, immigration, legal research, military, and property laws. Judy Russell, aka “The Legal Genealogist,” has a blog by the same name in which she wittily explores timely issues and genealogical problems. Rick Sayre’s areas of expertise include federal records, military records, urban research methodology, technology and mapping tools for genealogists, immigration, the Ohio River Valley, and Western Pennsylvania.
Online registration for July classes ends July 10th.
Winter camp: SLIG
If summer camp just won’t work for you and your schedule this year, think about a winter camp for genealogists — the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) in Salt Lake City in January 2016. The course line-up for 2016 is amazing, and it’ll be one rare genealogist who can’t find something that’s exactly what’s needed.
And registration for the 2016 courses — some of which are bound to fill up in minutes — opens Saturday, June 20th, at 9 a.m. Mountain time.
You can find a detailed description of all of the SLIG courses online at the Utah Genealogical Association website where the registration link will magically appear on Saturday morning. But just to whet your appetite, here’s the list:
• Intermediate U.S. Records and Research, Part II
Coordinator: Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
• Researching New York: Resources and Strategies
Coordinator: Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS
• Research In The South
Coordinator: J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA
• Corpus Juris: Advanced Legal Concepts for Genealogy
Coordinator: Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
• Early U.S. Church Records
Coordinator: Rev. Dr. David McDonald, CG
• Advanced Research Tools: Land Records
Coordinator: Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA and Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Beginning Genetic Genealogy
Coordinator: Blaine T Bettinger, JD, Ph.D
• Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques For Genealogical Research
Coordinator: Angie Bush, MS
• Solving Problems Like a Professional
Coordinator: Michael Hait, CG
• Advanced Genealogical Methods
Coordinator: Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL
• Writing A Quality Family Narrative
Coordinator: John Philip Colletta, Ph.D., FUGA
• Problem Solving
Coordinator: Luana Darby, MLIS
• Advanced Evidence Practicum
Coordinator: Angela Packer McGhie
There’s no time like the present — summer or winter — to build genealogical knowledge and skills. Hope to see you at GRIP, or SLIG… or both!
